WHO WE LOOK FOR

Take risks. Push boundaries. Collaborate. Test your limits.

Astral develops talented, rising-star classical musicians with the potential for major solo or chamber music careers. We serve as a crucial link between the conservatory and the real world by making a long-term commitment to our artists’ professional and artistic growth.

Artists on our roster have access to a portfolio of exclusive opportunities, and a professional network that builds on their unique artistic and entrepreneurial skills.

Artists typically stay on our roster for an average of four years. Through our program, artists hone their skills through performances, mentorship, and community involvement, to achieve sustainable and impactful careers in classical music.

To maintain our high caliber of artists, we conduct a competitive National Auditions process, and seek the rare musicians who possess not only unmatched skill, but also imaginative spirits and entrepreneurial drive.

Artists on Astral’s Roster Are

committed to pursuing a career as a soloist or chamber ensemble

entrepreneurially-minded and enterprising

early-career artists who are nearly or recently finished with study at a top music school or conservatory

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do artists stay on Astral’s roster?
Artists are on our roster for an average of four years.

Are you a management agency?
No. However, presenters and orchestras do engage Astral artists for solo, recital, and chamber music performances. These engagements are managed by our staff through Astral’s bookings department.

Can I have management and be on Astral’s roster?
Yes. Astral is non-exclusive, and we will work with artists who have management, in cooperation with their agents.

Do I receive payment for participating in Astral’s programs?
Yes. We pay our artists for their performances on our Astral In Concert series and for community engagement activities.

Does Astral charge any service fees to its roster artists?
No. Our services are provided free of charge to our roster artists. A small administrative fee is assessed for some bookings.

Do I need to live in Philadelphia to be on the roster?
No. However, since our programming takes place in Philadelphia, artists need to travel here for engagements and meetings. Astral reimburses for most travel expenses. Applicants need not be citizens of the United States. However, applicants must reside in, and be legally eligible to perform and be compensated in the contiguous United States.

How do you define “early-career”?
We define early-career musicians as those who are nearly or recently finished with their higher education, and who are actively pursuing professional careers as soloists or chamber ensembles.